executions

An execution is the act of government-sanctioned killing of a person as punishment following a formal legal process. It is distinct from murder in that it is carried out under law by authorized authorities, typically after a court verdict and an appeals or clemency process.

Historically, executions have been used across many societies for a wide range of crimes. In modern legal systems, the death penalty is prescribed by statute or constitution and is subject to judicial review, with potential avenues for appeal, reprieve, or pardon. Some jurisdictions grant broad discretion to impose death sentences, while others have required or permitted mandatory penalties for certain offenses; in many places, mandatory death penalties have been ruled unconstitutional or limited by constitutional protections.

Common methods of execution vary by country and era. Lethal injection is widely used in many jurisdictions, while other methods include hanging, electric chair, gas chamber, firing squad, and, in a few places, beheading or stoning. The transparency and availability of information about executions also differ, with some countries providing detailed public reporting and others maintaining secrecy or limited data.

Globally, trends have shifted toward abolition or moratoria in many parts of the world. A growing number of states have abolished capital punishment in law or in practice, while a smaller subset continues to retain and apply it. The practice tends to be concentrated in a limited group of countries, and ongoing policy debates influence national legal frameworks and international perceptions.

Proponents contend that executions deliver justice and can deter crime, whereas opponents highlight moral concerns, the risk of irreversible errors, and potential inequities in application. International human rights norms generally favor restrictions or abolition, and debates continue within legal, political, and ethical discourses.